Ash tray



J. FREI, JR

Feb. 10; 1942.

ASH TRAY Filed Oct. 3, 1938 Patented Feb. 10, 1942 U HT STATES PATENT ()FFICE 3 Claims.

My invention relates to an emergency ash tray adapted for attachment to the cover of a match book folder.

In many places, a smoker is frequently embarrassed by the absence of an accessible ash tray in which to deposit ashes, when smoking.

The principal object of the present invention is to utilize and provide the ordinary match book folder with an emergency ash tray of simple and inexpensive construction, which may conveniently be carried in the pocket or purse, and whereby the smoker may at any time withdraw the device from the pocket or purse and deposit ashes therein. Novel means is provided to detachably secure the tray to the match book folder.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear from the following detailed description thereof, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a match book folder showing an ash tray secured thereto, embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the plane of line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, and particularly Figure 1 thereof, Ill indicates the usual match book folder enclosing the usual match book ll. Folder I is folded in the usual manner to provide a back cover portion l2, a front cover portion l3, and a bottom edge flap I 4. As shown, this latter flap is so positioned with respect to match book II that one edge of the front cover portion will be received between such match book II and the flap, the cover portion l3 thus being retained in closed position.

The tray of the present invention comprises a clip 2| of spring metal, which preferably is formed by taking a single length of strap stock and bending it into substantially U-shape configuration to provide the legs 22 and 23. Preferably, the width of clip 2| is only slightly longer than the diameter of the ash tray l5 which is to be pressed therein, while the length of the legs 22 and 23 is substantially equal to the Width of cover portion l3. The space 25 defined by legs 22 and 23 for receiving cover I3, is such as to require the clip to be forced on the cover, and the tight frictional engagement between the clip legs and cover secures the clip to the cover.

As shown, leg 22 of the clip is provided with an annular bead 2! pressed outwardly therefrom. This bead is of appreciable height and, preferably, is of substantially inverted V-shaped in cross-section. Such bead defines the ash tray I5. Leg 23 of the clip is also preferably provided with an outwardly pressed annular bead 28. The outer surface of leg 23 within this latter bead may be polished to provide a mirror surface 23'.

The form of my invention described above has many advantages. Chief of these is that it may readily be stamped in a single operation from fiat sheet metal stock, after which it may be bent to the form shown, and without the necessity of any further operations. Beads 21 and 28 defining the ash tray and mirror, respectively, serve to impart rigidity to the legs of the clip and to resist their being bent either longitudinally or transversely. The utility of the match folder is in no way impaired. The addition of the ash tray thereto enhances its value. With the book cover open a mirror is provided. The tray may be removed from an emptied folder, and applied to a new folder.

While a preferred embodiment of my invention has been illustrated and described, by way of example, it will be obvious that changes may be made therein within the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, is not to be limited to the precise form herein described, except insofar as it may so be limited by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An ash receptacle adapted for attachment to the cover of a match book folder comprising a substantially U-shaped clip having its legs adapted to straddle said cover and bind it therebetween, and an annular bead of inverted V- shape cross-section pressed outwardly from one of said le s and defining an ash tray.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a substantially U-shaped spring clip adapted for attachment to a match book folder, each leg of said clip having an outwardly pressed bead thereon, said beads reinforcing the clip against transverse and longitudinal bending, and one of said beads being of sufficient height to define an ash tray.

3. .As a new article of manufacture, a substantially U-shaped spring clip adapted for attachment to a match book folder, each leg of said clip having an outwardly pressed bead thereon, said beads being of substantially inverted V- shape in cross-section and reinforcing the clip against transverse and longitudinal bending, one of said beads being of sufficient height to define an ash tray.

JOHN FREI, JR. 

